HB 687 Summary

• Allows injured employees to select their own physician, surgeon, or health care provider instead of being limited to employer-selected providers, with the employer bearing the cost of authorized treatment.

• Requires health care providers to communicate fully with employees about the nature of injury and recommended treatment, with failure to do so constituting a disciplinary violation subject to provisions in Chapter 620.

• Establishes that employers may select health care providers only if the employee does not make a selection, and requires health care providers to disclose any financial interests in referral facilities in writing to the patient, employer, insurer, and adjusting company.

• Prohibits hospitals and health care providers from billing employees or reporting unpaid charges to credit agencies once notice of a workers' compensation injury is received, with penalties up to $1,000 in damages plus attorney's fees for violations.

• Allows employers to require employees to use accumulated paid leave, personal leave, or sick leave to attend medical treatment and evaluations during work time.